TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Big Bend region is set to experience a significant expansion in broadband access thanks to federal government funding. Gadsden and Leon County have recently been awarded approximately $6 million each to enhance internet connectivity in the area.
Leon County’s funding is part of The Florida Broadband Opportunity Program. With this investment, the county aims to extend its broadband network by around 300 miles, connecting approximately 3,000 households to high-speed internet. Construction is expected to begin as early as this summer, with completion projected by the end of 2026.
Gadsden County, on the other hand, will use the grant money received from the Multipurpose Community Facilities Program to renovate the Cowen Public Library in Chattahoochee. The library will house a telehealth center and a career center, providing important resources to the community. Additionally, similar upgrades are planned for a building in Havana, creating additional telehealth and career centers in the region.
Local officials have welcomed this investment as a positive development for the community. Gadsden County Commissioner Brenda Holt emphasized the importance of telemedicine access for rural areas, while State Representative Gallop Franklin highlighted the significance of bridging the digital divide for education and job applications.
While this federal funding will undoubtedly improve broadband access in the Big Bend region, there is still more work to be done. Franklin expressed the need for additional grant money to ensure that every household in Gadsden County can access high-speed internet services in the future.
This expansion of broadband infrastructure is a significant step towards closing the digital divide in the Big Bend region. Increased internet accessibility will provide individuals and communities with various online opportunities, including education, healthcare, and career development.
The source of the article is from the blog j6simracing.com.br